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CHAPTER 8 - INTERACTIONS AMONG PEOPLE
Upon seeing Shang Ji and his wife enter, the Duke of Shang couldn't help but have a slight emotional reaction, tears welling up in his eyes. However, he didn't know how to start a conversation with his son. After all, in his presence, Shang Ji, his own son, had never been particularly assertive. So, he suppressed his emotions and smiled excitedly, saying, "You've arrived."
Shang Ji nodded, a simple "yes" escaping his lips. He then greeted, "Father, be well."
As for the others present, he didn't spare them a glance. This indifferent attitude naturally left some of the attendees displeased, but they had to endure it. After all, the one returning was not just the young master of the Duke's mansion; he was also the renowned war god of Daxing, recognized by the imperial court.
When he entered, he used the title of the General of the Cavalry. This, they understood better than anyone else.
In their hearts, they also took note of the woman sitting beside the Duke of Shang. Now, the one in charge in the Duke's mansion was the legitimate wife, Lady Wei. Though only a year younger than the Duke of Shang, she seemed to belong to a different generation, a testament to her excellent care for herself. Despite being over fifty, she showed no signs of aging.
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She wore a dark red embroidered brocade jacket with a pattern resembling a Ruyi, adding a touch of grace to her demeanor. Her face was gentle and friendly, resembling a Bodhisattva enshrined in a temple, with a kind and compassionate expression.
However, unlike her husband Shang Ji, who could act as he pleased under the reputation of the Great General, Du Jingyi was still a woman making her way in the inner courtyard. Despite some hidden conflicts with Lady Wei, she managed to maintain a cordial facade. With a poised smile, she performed a proper greeting, half-bowing to the Duke and Lady Wei.
"Your daughter-in-law, Du Jingyi, pays respects to Father Duke and Lady Wei."
Since her arrival at the mansion, she hadn't addressed Lady Wei as her mother-in-law. This fact seemed to please Shang Ji, who cast a subtle look of satisfaction toward Lady Wei. When he glanced at Lady Wei, there was a hint of mockery in his eyes.
Lady Wei, who had managed to elevate her status from concubine to the legitimate wife, was undoubtedly a complex character. Even when she heard the title "Lady Wei," she didn't seem offended. Instead, she kindly responded, "Good, good child, please rise. No need for such formalities among family."
"Thank you, Lady Wei."
With just these words, onlookers could sense a subtle exchange of tensions.
However, today's protagonist was not Du Jingyi. Therefore, Lady Wei's artillery won't be aimed at her. In the next moment, Lady Wei explained, "Originally, I thought Sixth Young Master would arrive in Sui'an City in a couple of days. So, preparations were still underway at home. Unexpectedly, we received an imperial decree yesterday, and my husband and I hurriedly went to the palace for the welcoming feast. By the time we returned, it was too late. That's why we didn't inform the esteemed elders and relatives."
As she spoke, she cast a somewhat apologetic glance toward the elders sitting nearby. Seeing her gesture, the originally somewhat timid members of the third and fifth branches straightened their backs.
Seated on the left side below the Duke and Lady Wei were the Third and Fifth Elder Masters of the Shang family, who had been residing in the Duke's mansion with their families. One looked like a slim immortal cultivator, while the other resembled a plump pig awaiting slaughter. Despite being over seventy, the years of wealth and prosperity hadn't dimmed their eyes.
Beside them were their respective wives, the Third and Fifth Elder Mistresses. Their body shapes were the opposite of their husbands. The Third Elder Mistress had a round figure with ample flesh on her face, while the Fifth Elder Mistress was thin and calculating, with a shrewd look in her eyes. Neither of them appeared particularly charitable.
Upon entering, Shang Ji couldn't help but glance at the gold-clad Third Elder Mistress.
She was just too eye-catching, making it difficult not to pay attention. Especially since the one who had spoken disrespectfully earlier was her. So when Shang Ji's cold gaze swept in their direction, she couldn't help but shrink her neck, appearing even more chubby. The posture that had just straightened up softened considerably.
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However, the eldest of the three elders quickly spoke up, laughing and saying, "Family members rarely get a chance to exchange a few words. Sixth Young Master has received such great favor, naturally, he must first visit the Emperor in the palace. We old bones are not of much use and are treated the same way today."
Although the words were polite, Du Jingyi didn't interpret them that way. It seemed as if they were indirectly criticizing her husband for not understanding etiquette. Clearly, he should have visited the elders in the North Court last night. Now, he made them wait in the Cloud Brocade Courtyard for so long, emphasizing "old bones" as if trying to belittle them. Wasn't this an attempt to accuse her husband of disrespecting his elders?
It was truly absurd.
For these parasites accustomed to sucking blood while clinging to others, Du Jingyi looked down on them. However, Shang Ji stood beside her, so she maintained a calm and humble expression. Unfortunately, the Three Elder Master's demeanor didn't register in Shang Ji's eyes. He didn't even spare a glance and clearly showed his unwillingness to engage in conversation.
Seeing that she had lost face, the Third Elder Mistress became somewhat displeased.
Just as she was about to open her mouth to teach the younger generation a lesson, Shang Ji spoke first. He looked at the seated Shang Guogong and said, "On that day, due to the urgency of military affairs, your son hurriedly left the capital. We couldn't complete the tea ceremony and return gifts, so today, I specially brought my wife to present tea to Father and fulfill the proper etiquette."
His words were concise but carried a clear meaning. This was paving the way for Du Jingyi in the rear court. Although the two hadn't consummated their marriage, they had been husband and wife for three years in public. It might not be a deep emotional connection, but maintaining mutual respect was not difficult. Giving face to Du Jingyi was also giving face to himself.
After saying this, Shang Ji glanced at the people behind him. Du Jingyi was initially stunned by her husband's sudden defense but quickly composed herself. The maid, Cherry, appeared from somewhere with a red lacquered tray containing two cups of hot tea.
Observing this, Lady Wei blushed slightly. In the past, when she was in the family, Shang Ji never gave her a second glance. Now that he had a wife, he seemed to remember the proper manners. She was quite concerned about receiving tea from the wife of the general, so her lips curved upward with a hint of satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Shang Guogong¹, apparently not expecting his son to make such a move, watched Shang Ji. There was an increasing resemblance to his son-in-law, the former Marshal Gu.
"Alright, I've been waiting quite a while for this new bride's tea," he said, his face filled with affection as he looked at Du Jingyi. He didn't care much about social status and was satisfied as long as she had been healthy during these three years since entering the family. After settling the rumors about his son mistreating his wife, Shang Guogong was quite content with Du Jingyi. When she knelt and said, "Father, please have some tea," he readily accepted and then added after some thought.
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T/N
[1] The word Guogong (国公) translates to "Duke of the State" or "National Duke."
In traditional Chinese feudal hierarchy, it's a noble title given to a duke who governs a specific state or territory.
Therefore, in this context, Shang Guogong and Shang Yukuan refer to the same person and I'll probably use them interchangeably.
Though, preferably, you can let me in the comments which you'd rather have.
Fact: This title was commonly used in historical contexts, particularly during imperial China.
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